Welcome back to the first in the nation second Republican debate, also known as America's Got Crazy.
So far we have Pawlenty protesting that it's wrong to think of the US as being like other nations, and all you have to do is look at other nations to prove it.
Romney complaining of the laundry list of oppressive, oppressive bills... that didn't pass.
Gingrich & Bachmann singing a duet as they cry for America's most downtrodden -- Wall Street Investment bankers.
Ron Paul demanding a return to 1929.
I hope to hell no one started a drinking game around the word "Obamacare."
5:35 PM PT (Georgia Logothetis): Hunter suggests that to simplify the debate, all remaining questions should be answered with simple eye blinks. Blink once if the issue is all Obama's fault. Blink twice if it's also a conspiracy against the free market and stuff.
5:37 PM PT (Georgia Logothetis): Back from break. Bachmann refuses to choose between Elvis and Johnny Cash. Santorum chooses Leno over Conan. See, color! Character! This debate is exciting!
5:39 PM PT (Georgia Logothetis): John King asks the key question: when IS it ok for the government to step in or take action? Brings up Cain's support for TARP, but of course, Cain walks back TARP support.
5:41 PM PT (Georgia Logothetis): Romney claims auto bailout was not a success, would have preferred that they go through bankruptcy. Doubles down on a position that's been causing him a lot of headaches.
5:45 PM PT: I admit. I find the idea of sending Newt Gingrich to the moon exciting.
5:47 PM PT: Republicans not only govern out of fear, they debate that way. They're afraid to even defend their own statements against people actually there to defend themselves.
5:49 PM PT: Oh, Ron Paul, you open your mouth and the same thing comes out every time. Chatty Cathy has a more extensive set of comments.
5:52 PM PT: Romney is concerned that if we try to help Americans in the midst of actual disasters today, it could theoretically lead to disaster at some unknown time in the future. The only caring thing to do is turn your back.